Isla Bennett
Long, strong nails can be achieved with the right care and attention. Healthy nails can be a sign of good health, but sometimes our nails are weaker than we would like. There are many ways to strengthen nails, from making lifestyle changes to adopting better habits. This includes wearing gloves when washing dishes or cleaning, staying hydrated, eating a nutrient-dense diet, and using nail creams, oils and supplements.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Avoid | Soaking nails in water for long periods |
| Using nails for tasks like opening or scraping | |
| Do | Wear gloves when washing dishes or cleaning |
| Take breaks from gel manicures and nail polish | |
| Use chemical-free lotions and acetone-free nail polish removers | |
| Take biotin supplements | |
| Drink enough water | |
| Eat a nutrient-dense diet with protein and vitamins | |
| Use nail oils, especially cuticle oil | |
| File nails in a basic, round shape | |
| Apply strengthening creams or polishes |
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What You'll Learn
- Wear gloves when washing dishes or cleaning to protect nails from water and chemicals
- Take breaks from gel manicures and harsh nail polish removers
- Keep nails hydrated with cuticle oil
- Take biotin supplements and eat a nutrient-dense diet
- Avoid using your nails for tasks like opening packages or scraping things
Wear gloves when washing dishes or cleaning to protect nails from water and chemicals
When doing chores that involve water or chemicals, such as washing dishes or cleaning, it is important to protect your nails by wearing gloves. This is because water can dehydrate your nails, making them weak and brittle. Similarly, many cleaning products and antibacterial wipes contain chemicals that can break down your nails, making them flimsier and drier.
You can use cotton-lined gloves to minimize the impact of water on your nails. If you are unable to wear gloves, make sure to thoroughly moisturize your hands and nails after they have been submerged in water.
In addition to wearing gloves, it is a good idea to keep your nails out of water whenever possible. This includes keeping your hands out of the water while taking a bath or going for a swim.
By taking these precautions, you can help protect your nails from the damaging effects of water and chemicals, keeping them strong and healthy.
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Take breaks from gel manicures and harsh nail polish removers
While gel manicures can be attractive, they can be detrimental to your nail health. The process of applying and removing gel nail polish can weaken your nails and cause them to peel. The gel is a very durable polish, and removing it can be challenging, often requiring harsh chemicals or physical force that can damage your nails.
Taking a break from gel manicures can give your nails time to strengthen and grow. It is recommended to allow a gap of about eight weeks between gel manicures to ensure your nails remain healthy. During this break, you can nourish your nails with a keratin treatment, such as CND RescueRXx, to help them recover and prepare for the next manicure.
Additionally, it is essential to be mindful of the products you use to remove nail polish. Some nail polish removers contain harsh chemicals, such as acetone, which can break down your nails' natural barrier, making them more susceptible to damage. Opt for acetone-free nail polish removers, which are gentler on your nails and help maintain their strength.
Along with taking breaks from gel manicures and choosing the right nail polish remover, there are other simple habits you can adopt to keep your nails strong and healthy. These include wearing gloves when doing chores or washing dishes to protect your nails from water and chemicals, staying hydrated by drinking enough water, and maintaining a nutrient-dense diet with sufficient protein and vitamins.
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Keep nails hydrated with cuticle oil
Cuticle oil is a specialised product designed to nourish and moisturise the cuticles, which are the thin strips of skin at the base of your nails. Cuticle oil helps to prevent the cuticles from becoming dry, cracked, or damaged. It provides essential hydration to the cuticles, which helps to maintain the overall health and flexibility of the nails.
The vitamins and nutrients present in cuticle oil nourish the nails, promoting their strength and resilience. This can help prevent breakage and splitting, allowing your nails to grow longer and healthier. Regularly applying cuticle oil can enhance the appearance of your nails by softening and smoothing the cuticles, giving your nails a more polished and well-groomed look.
Cuticle oil helps to prevent the formation of painful hangnails by keeping the cuticles moisturised and preventing them from tearing or peeling. By creating a protective barrier, cuticle oil shields the nails and cuticles from environmental damage, such as harsh chemicals, water, and excessive dryness.
There are many different types of cuticle oils available, and it is important to consider the hydration and protection factors of the oils included in the formula. Oils such as coconut, walnut seed, avocado, baobab seed, sweet almond, and rosemary oil are all recommended for their nourishing and hydrating properties. Cuticle oil can be applied directly to the cuticles and surrounding skin, and it is generally recommended to apply it after painting your nails as part of your post-manicure routine.
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Take biotin supplements and eat a nutrient-dense diet
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is an essential nutrient that supports your metabolism and may help keep your nails healthy and strong. While biotin supplements are popular, most people get adequate biotin through their diet. Biotin is most concentrated in organ meats, such as liver, but it is also found in egg yolk, dairy products, yeast, salmon, avocado, sweet potato, nuts, seeds, and even cauliflower. Adult daily multivitamins and prenatal vitamins typically contain 100% of your recommended daily value for biotin.
If you believe you have a biotin deficiency, which can cause brittle nails and thinning hair, consult your healthcare provider for an evaluation. They can advise you on whether to incorporate a supplement into your routine. Taking too much biotin can interfere with some laboratory tests and may interact with certain medications.
In addition to taking biotin supplements, eating a nutrient-dense diet is crucial for nail health. A diet deficient in crucial vitamins and minerals can affect your nails. Make sure to consume a variety of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients through your food. This includes healthy fats, protein, vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Drinking enough water throughout the day is also essential for nail health. Without adequate moisture, nails can become brittle and break and peel easily. Water helps your nails retain moisture and stay strong.
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Avoid using your nails for tasks like opening packages or scraping things
It's important to avoid using your nails for tasks like opening packages or scraping things. Nails are not tools, and using them as such can cause them to break or tear. Blunt force and excess pressure will weaken your nails.
It's a good idea to be mindful of your nails when going about your day-to-day tasks. For example, when typing on a keyboard, try to use the pads of your fingers rather than the tips, as this will reduce the pressure on your nails. Similarly, when opening a package, use scissors or another tool instead of your nails.
If you find yourself reaching for your nails to complete a task, ask yourself if there is another way. Can you use a different tool? Can you be more gentle? Remember, your nails are delicate, and it's important to treat them with care.
It's also worth considering the products you use on your hands and nails. Many cleaning products and antibacterial wipes contain chemicals that can be harmful to your nails, making them more susceptible to damage. Opt for chemical-free options, and always protect your nails by wearing gloves when cleaning or washing up.
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Frequently asked questions
Keeping nails strong and healthy requires a lot of care. Firstly, it is important to stay hydrated as this helps nails retain moisture and stay strong. Secondly, wearing gloves while washing dishes or cleaning can help protect nails from harsh chemicals and water. Lastly, applying a strengthening cream, cuticle oil, or nail lotion regularly can help maintain nail strength.
There are several things to avoid to keep your nails strong. Firstly, do not use your nails to open, peel, scrape, or tap on things as this can damage or break them. Secondly, avoid over-filing the sides of your nails as this can weaken them over time. Lastly, avoid using harsh chemicals on your nails, such as those found in cleaning products and nail polish removers, as these can cause breakage and dryness.
Taking biotin supplements can help strengthen nails, especially if the cause of brittle nails is a nutritional deficiency. Additionally, consuming collagen peptides, which are found in foods high in protein, can improve nail health.
